The City of Toronto will increase the number of crews that fix potholes on city roads as it winds down its snow removal program.

“As we move toward completion of snow removal activities, we see an opportunity to divert more crews toward fixing potholes on our roads,” said Gary Welsh, General Manager, Transportation Services. “We recognize the importance of fixing potholes and keeping our roads in a state of good repair.”

About 100 staff (25-30 crews) are involved in pothole and road repairs year-round. These crews are principally deployed for pothole repair, however, many have been recently assigned to the snow removal effort.

During the last three years, the City of Toronto has repaired an average of 165,000 potholes per year. The City spends approximately $4 million per year to fix potholes.

Potholes are created when water penetrates the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road. After the moisture freezes and expands, sections of the pavement are forced up and the weight of vehicles going over this section of the road breaks the pavement and forces the asphalt up. Potholes are more common during the winter months, especially during repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

City staff fix potholes by pouring hot asphalt and raking it into the pothole. Then, they tamp down the asphalt and smooth it out to improve the road surface.

The public can assist by reporting potholes. Call the pothole hotline at 416-599-9090, push the pound key (#) then 164 to leave a message about the location of the pothole.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.